Think Smart For Your Business!

by: Michael Brito

Wrapping up and getting ready: Think smart for your business!

By now most of you should be finalizing whatever plans you may have to get ready for the long winter that RI is famous for and with that comes our taking out that business plan, blowing the dust off and really getting serious regarding what was accomplished and how we can set new targets! Look at your bonding limit, reexamine your insurance, go through all your equipment and survey your facility…all these areas need yearly appraisals for refinement. Remember my Fathers advice: “the best money you’ll ever make is the money you never spend”! Raise the bar, narrow our sights and focus in on any and all new opportunities that are slightly out of reach!

In a recent meeting I was reminded that the small companies that thrive and not just survive are the ones that have an interest in a verity of products and services not just a niche market. Some of our construction clients also have an interest in real-estate or road sweeping, some of our electrical service DBEs have also acquired interest in excavation equipment thereby offering alternate avenues of income. I am reminded of one such company that along with his material trucking business also began offering container long hauls to off-set the winter slow down associated with road work thereby providing income for twelve months instead of just nine! The point is that should the main food chain slow down for any reason there is “plan B”.

As we glance back with a diligent look ahead let’s remember that the battles may be won or lost daily but the war rages on! We must always keep in mind that it’s the larger picture we must see, staying in there to the end is what will separate us not just from the larger companies but from each other as well. We ran a wonderful workshop on image and what it means to project the right one when doing business with others but let’s also remember the image we project to ourselves as proud MBEs & DBEs is the most important one every minute of every day!

Staying positive isn’t always that easy (I know this very well having run a business in RI for many years) however it isn’t impossible. There is negativity everywhere we look these days, my advice…don’t look! Provide yourself the opportunity to be happy with your company and its new direction for the coming year. Set new and lofty goals and stay focused on them. Give yourself and your staff every chance to achieve these goals. Attend every training event possible whether it be an on-line webinar, professional development class or simply an industry focused event or trade show…just go! Be the sponge of knowledge your company needs, surround yourself with positive people, associate with those that have achieved what you strive for and never stop reaching for more knowledge. I know that I preach often regarding learning and its influence on success but it’s a proven path to achievement.

85% of all successful entrepreneurs attribute their achievement to possessing an open mind to new and different ideas, a sense of daring to differentiate oneself from his/her competition is very important! A wise man once told me that the best investment we can ever make to advance our companies is the investment of learning!

In our state there are over 480 companies certified to do business as a MBE or DBE; whether construction, electrical, engineering, cleaning etc….you have a lot of “friends” out there!

Stay sharp, see you on the job!

Mike Brito, DBE Account Manager Turino Group

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